Paralegal Career Guide

Since the first publication of this book in 1992 (and the second edition in 1996), my greatest satisfaction has come from readers who report, "I followed your instructions and my career zoomed." I have also been gratified by the many paralegals and paralegal educators who recommend my book to their students, colleagues, and bosses. When I considered what needed revision for a new edition, a logical question arose. If it isn't broken, why fix it? Certainly, the basic information in the first and second editions remains as reliable today as it was in 1992 and again in 1996. However, our ever-changing world, as well as the rapidly changing paralegal field, calls for some changes. In this third edition: I've reported on the cutting edge of technology which is vital to your career now and in the future. Certainly, the Internet has changed the way we deliver legal services. I've interviewed 20+ paralegals, managers, technology professionals, and litigation support managers. Their stories are not only interesting, but they also provide ideas for your own career. I've explored the latest in practice specialties including the controversial MDP's which, despite the outcome, offer more opportunities for paralegals. Stacey Hunt has been, once again, a real hero in writing a couple of dynamic chapters for litigation paralegals, the bulk of the profession. Her step-by-step guides are invaluable. I've added numerous resources found on the Internet. A handy guide is always useful. I've introduced new competitive strategies for moving your career along based upon what the workforce is like in the new millennium. I've added some information about the 26 states that now have a definition for paralegals, along with the controversial California decision for mandatory hiring requirements. In the paralegal field, we are just beginning to see how the apparent impersonal dot-com world is cross-pollinating the field of law. Despite our culture's full entry into the electronic era, human beings, not Intel chips, continue to power the paralegal world. After all, the impact of one paralegal's job on a matter, case, or client is a highly personal experience. Word of mouth or the smile on an attorney's or client's face from a job well done by a paralegal beats out the Internet each and every time. I trust that this third edition will guide you to transform your career into the vision you seek. I also wish you the reward of wonderful relationships with your bosses, coworkers, and peers. To report on your success, say hello, or ask questions, just send an e-mail to estrin@estrin.com or write in care of my publisher, Elizabeth Sugg, Prentice Hall. Chere B. Estrin, Ph.D. Los Angeles, CaliforniaEstrin, Chere B. is the author of 'Paralegal Career Guide', published 2001 under ISBN 9780130908643 and ISBN 0130908649.